I am going to be replacing my rear main seal on my 1968 Cutlass S. The motor is a '69 455 out of Toronado. Do I need to remove the transmission to do this. I know on a Chevy you do but from what I have seen on a Olds 455 in the chassis manual and on videos it's just the rear main cap? Any help would be very appreciated.

 

No need to remove transmission.

 

Man, that is music to my ears. I am replacing the oil pan already so this keeps things simple.

 

Get rid of the rope seal and replace it with a neoprene seal. I can't remember the part number, it's original application is a Ford 429 engine. You may have to loosen the other main bearing caps to let the crank drop a little to slip it into place. The ford part is much easier to install

 

Ford 460 rear main seal

 

If you decide to use the ford seal, watch the first part of this video first.

 

If you use a Viton seal trimming the back is not necessary.

 

Now you tell me

 

I trimmed the back on the rubber seal. I installed it without the crank to check for crush. There is no crush. It will move back and forth very slightly. Is this normal?